Experts are warning that infections that antibiotics can't kill could rise after the coronavirus pandemic ends.
After Covid, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says a "hidden pandemic" could follow due to antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections.
The agency issued a warning against the unnecessary use of antibiotics - especially for 'cold-like symptoms'.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria no longer responds to treatment, causing serious complications, including bloodstream infections and hospitalisation.
Even though a new report showed that the overall number of bloodstream infections decreased in 2020, the proportion of antibiotic-resistant infections increased, which does not bode well for the post-pandemic years.
This means that when the pandemic ends, there will be a decrease in Covid measures such as socialising restrictions and better hand hygiene which helped fend off other illnesses.
This means there will be a rise in antibiotic-resistant infections after Covid, according to the UKHSA.
The UKHSA also called for preventative action against serious antibiotic-resistant infections, like continuing good hand hygiene after the pandemic.
Antibiotics are vital for treating bacterial infections causing pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis.
They also help protect against infection from chemotherapy, caesarean sections and other common surgeries.
However, they are sometimes prescribed to treat coughs, earache and sore throats where they may have little or no effect.
The UKHSA urged that it is important to only take antibiotics when necessary as they encourage harmful bacteria that live inside you to become resistant - meaning antibiotics may not work when you truly need them.
Efforts have been made to prescribe fewer antibiotics over the last several years, dropping further during the pandemic.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA, said: "Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been described as a hidden pandemic and it's important that we do not come out of COVID-19 and enter into another crisis."
"It is likely that Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 including enhanced infection, prevention and control measures also played a part in driving down antibiotic resistance and prescribing.
"While these measures were severe, serious antibiotic-resistant infections will rise once again if we don’t act responsibly and that can be as simple as regular and thorough handwashing.
"As we head into winter, with increasing amounts of respiratory infections in circulation, it's important to remember that antibiotics are not needed for many cold-like symptoms.
"Stay at home if you feel unwell. Taking antibiotics when you don't need them only puts you and your loved ones at more risk in the future so please listen to your GP, nurse, dentist or pharmacist’s advice."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
